Scottish Linda’s Guinness Chocolate Cupcakes

The kids in my house (that would be five right now) couldn’t stop eating these. My assistant Jakob said they were one of the best things he’s made in a while. BTW Jakob made my anniversary/wedding cake this September. He knows what he is talking about.

Linda, who like me is a hard core Protestant, whose family hails from Scotland, makes these for her neighbor and dear friend Sean every year on St. Patty's day. It's not St. Patty's day you say. Really? It's just COVID-19 season, so all bets are off. We can bake whatever we want!

Linda's neighbor, Sean, also happens to be the sexton of our church in West Roxbury. Possessing one of the best Irish brogues and a light up your face smile, Sean, without question, is one of my favorite humans. He makes my days at work so much better with his whistling and friendship. Since his wife passed away last spring, Linda has been taking good care of him. I hope I have been too.

One last important side note, my first Guinness I drank with Sean at our annual church staff Christmas party. Under Sean’s tutelage, I discovered how much I love Guinness!

​Ingredients

• 3/4 c unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2c sugar
• 2c flour
• 1tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 12 oz Guinness stout
• 1 stick unsalted butter melted
• 1 tbsp vanilla
• 3 eggs
• Add 3/4 c plain yogurt

Preparation

1. Preheat Oven to 350. 
2. In a large bowl, whisk together: cocoa powder sugar, flour, baking powder & salt. Set aside.
3. In your trust Kitchenaid, mix together until frothy:  Guinness stout, melted butter, and vanilla. Then add one egg at a time. Finally add yogurt until well combined. 
4. Fold in flour mixture. 
5. Pour into cups (at least 24)  and bake for 25 minutes. Check with a tooth pick and if still gooey in the middle cook for another three minutes. 

---

FrostingBeat together:

• 8oz ok cream cheese at room temp
• 2 ½ to 3 cups confectioner sugar
• 4-5 tbsp baileys Irish cream 

Linda originally suggested only 2 tbsp. It just wasn’t enough. You can also add some right to your coffee as you’re preparing this because, well, you have it out and it tastes sooooo good.)

Frost when cupcakes are at room temp.

Linda suggests sprinkling these cupcakes with some green sugar! We didn't have any. 

Eat three or four. Don’t worry, none of the kids got drunk from eating these delights!

​

---